Gongmei White Tea

Gongmei, a distinguished variety of white tea, boasts a rich history deeply rooted in the tea-growing regions of Fujian Province, China. Originating from the Fujianese counties of Jianyang, Jian'ou, Pucheng, and Fuding, Gongmei has long been revered for its unique flavor profile and health benefits.

The earliest records of white tea, including Gongmei, date back to the Song Dynasty, as mentioned in the "Da Guan Cha Lun" (Great View on Tea) written by Emperor Huizong of Song. This ancient text praised white tea for its distinctive characteristics, setting the stage for its later recognition as a premium beverage.

Throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties, white tea production flourished in Fujian, particularly in the mountainous regions where the ideal climatic conditions and soil quality favored tea cultivation. Gongmei, as a variety of white tea, gradually gained popularity among tea connoisseurs for its refreshing taste and health-promoting properties.

Legends and Stories

One enduring legend associated with Gongmei revolves around its imperial connections. It is said that during the Qing Dynasty, Gongmei tea was highly prized by the imperial court. According to folklore, Gongmei was initially named "Gongpin Shoumei" (Tribute-Grade Shoumei) because select batches were reserved exclusively for the emperor and the royal family. This honorary title eventually evolved into the modern name "Gongmei," which signifies its esteemed status throughout history.

Another story speaks of a tea farmer in Fuding, known for his exceptional cultivation techniques and careful processing methods. His Gongmei tea was renowned for its superior quality, leading to its widespread acclaim and eventual commercial success. This tale underscores the importance of craftsmanship and dedication in producing the finest Gongmei tea.

Cultural Significance

Gongmei holds immense cultural significance in China, not only as a premium tea variety but also as a symbol of tradition and heritage. It is deeply intertwined with the local way of life, with tea farmers passing down their expertise and passion for tea cultivation from generation to generation.

In Fujian, Gongmei tea ceremonies are often held to celebrate important occasions and reinforce social bonds. These ceremonies serve as a platform for sharing stories, fostering community spirit, and appreciating the finer aspects of tea culture. Gongmei's role in such rituals underscores its cultural value, extending beyond its physical form as a beverage.

Moreover, Gongmei tea is closely associated with the concept of "healthy aging" in Chinese culture. Its reputed health benefits, such as antioxidant properties and immune-boosting effects, have made it a popular choice among tea drinkers seeking to maintain their well-being.

Modern Appreciation

In modern times, Gongmei tea continues to enjoy widespread popularity both domestically and internationally. With the growing interest in health and wellness, consumers are increasingly turning to Gongmei for its natural goodness and subtle, elegant flavor.

Tea shops and boutiques dedicated to high-quality white teas, including Gongmei, have sprung up across China and beyond. Many aficionados actively seek out vintage Gongmei teas, believing that aging enhances their flavor and health benefits.

Furthermore, Gongmei tea has gained recognition in the global tea market, attracting tea enthusiasts from diverse cultural backgrounds. Its unique charm lies not only in its taste but also in the rich historical and cultural narratives it embodies.

Shipping Methods, Duration Estimates & Fees

1. Shipping Methods

4px as our logistics partner to ship out AllenTeas products. They will choose the carrier that they think works best for our customers.

Where does AllenTeas ship to? For tea products, the following countries can be shipped：

United States, Russia, New Zealand, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Israel, Ireland, Austria, Belgium, Poland, Denmark, Germany, France, Finland, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Norway, Portugal, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Thailand, Turkey, Spain, Greece, Singapore, Hungary, Italy, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Cyprus, Egypt, Georgia, Malta, South Africa, Croatia, Slovenia, Latvia, Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, Chile, Belarus, Estonia, Morocco, United Arab Emirates, India, Myanmar, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova

Delivery Scope Notes:

United States: Mainland, all territories outside the mainland, and overseas military postal addresses.
United Kingdom: Mainland and the Channel Islands, Isle of Man.
France: Mainland only, postal codes starting with 01-95. Delivery to overseas territories is not available, including Corsica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Réunion, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, Mayotte.
Other countries: Mainland only.

2. Duration Estimates

The expected delivery time is between 8 to 25 days for most countries, unless stated otherwise during checkout.

Fulfillment time takes 1-4 Business Days.

Total transit time is: Fulfillment time(1-4 business days) + Transit Time(8-25 days).

3. Fees

We offer free shipping for orders over $59.
For orders below $59, the flat rate is $9.9.

Note: We always work hard to dispatch your order as fast as possible (usually the next working day), but we can’t control delays due to custom clearance (especially during the shopping high season). When you place an order, please take into account the possibility for delays.

Order Processing Speed

All products offered in our online store are in stock unless stated otherwise. Thus, orders are processed usually the next business day. Orders placed during the weekend are processed on Monday.

Unfortunately, in rare cases products may run out of stock. In such situations, we'll have to wait for restocking and it may take 2-4 working days to process your order.

Shipping Confirmation with Trace & Trace Number 

All orders are packed with care to guarantee safe delivery. When your order is dispatched, we'll send you a shipping confirmation the next day by email, which includes an online tracking number. If you haven't received your shipping confirmation, please check if it landed in your junk folder.

All parcels can be tracked on the Track your Order page. Once your parcel has arrived in your country, you may also use the tracking number on the website of your local post.

Customs

From 1 July 2021, the Valued-Added Tax (VAT) on cross-border business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce activities in the European Union (EU) has to be applied on all goods that are sold online to EU.

For most non-EU countries you don't have to pay any taxes when receiving the parcel. However, sometimes local authorities may require you to pay custom taxes. As an importer, you're responsible for paying customs taxes and import fees if the arise.

For many EU countries, we've started offering tax inclusive shipping, meaning you don't have to pay tax when you receive the parcel. Taxes are included, if its stated in the selected shipping method.

Country Specific Information

South Korea:For shipping to South Korea please make sure you mobile phone number is correct as this will be used for identification purposes at the customs. Ideally, please also fill in a Personal Customs Clearance Code in the VAT field of the address details. For more information about personal custom clearance code you can visit this page on customs.go.kr.

Brazil: For shipments to Brazil it's mandatory to add your personal Tax number to your shipping details. You may fill your tax number in the second address line or the company name field.

Japan: For shipments to Japan it's mandatory to provide the shipping address in Japanese language.

Türkiye: Personal ID number (tax number) is required. You may fill your tax number in the second address line or the company name field.